Tika Sumpter (born Euphemia LatiQue Sumpter; June 20, 1980[2]) is an American actress, producer, television host, and model. Sumpter began her career as host of The N reality series, Best Friend's Date (2004–2005), and in 2005 landed the role of Layla Williamson in the ABC daytime soap opera, One Life to Live where she starred regularly through 2010. In the same year, Sumpter made her movie debut in her leading female role in the musical drama Stomp the Yard: Homecoming. She later had recurring roles as Raina Thorpe in The CW teen drama Gossip Girl, and as Jenna Rice in the BET sitcom The Game.[3]

In 2010, Sumpter made her film debut in Stomp the Yard: Homecoming on the female lead role, and in the same year appeared in Salt. From January to May 2011, Sumpter appeared in The CW teen drama series, Gossip Girl as Raina Thorpe, the daughter of Russell Thorpe and Chuck Bass/Nate' former love interest.[7] She played singer Jason Derülo's girlfriend in the video for his song "It Girl".[8] In 2011, she appeared as lead character friend in the romantic comedy film What's Your Number?. From 2011 to 2012 she also had a recurring role as Jenna Rice in the BET comedy series, The Game.

On September 13, 2011, it was announced that Sumpter would be playing one of the sisters, Deloris, in the music-themed film Sparkle alongside Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke and Carmen Ejogo. Sparkle is a remake of the 1976 film of the same name inspired by the story of The Supremes. The remake was set in 1968 Detroit, during the rise of Motown. The story focused on the youngest sister, a music prodigy named Sparkle Williams (Jordin Sparks), and her struggle to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart.[9][10] R&B singer Aaliyah was originally planned to star as Sparkle; however following her death in a 2001 plane crash, production on the film stopped. Production would have begun in 2002.[11][12][13]Sparkle was filmed in the fall of 2011 over a two-month period.[14] The film, which co-stars Sumpter, was released in the United States on August 17, 2012. On May 21, 2012, "Celebrate", the last song Whitney Houston recorded with Sparks, premiered at RyanSeacrest.com. The song is the first official single featured on the Sparkle: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack album which Sumpter is a part of.[15] The accompanying music video for Celebrate was filmed on May 30, 2012 and the video featured herself and the rest of her Sparkle cast mates .[16]

Sumpter played young Michelle Obama in the romantic comedy-drama film Southside with You, a biopic about the early romance between Barack and Michelle Obama.[31][32] The film premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and received positive reviews from critics.[33] Sumpter also co-produced the film. She received positive reviews for her performance. Variety placed her in its list of one of the "Biggest Breakthrough Performances" at Sundance, writing in its review, "It’s a tall order to bring a living, breathing icon to life. But that’s just what Sumpter does, checking in with America’s First Lady before she ever landed at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Playing Michelle Robinson when she was just an up-and-coming corporate lawyer, Sumpter slowly lets her guard down, allowing an idealistic Barack Obama to charm her into going to an art show, a community gathering and a Spike Lee film."[34]

Sumpter is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She was inducted into the organization on July 10, 2016, at the 67th annual Boule, in Atlanta, Georgia.[35]

On October 7, 2016, it was announced that Sumpter would be playing a leading role and co-executive produce political drama The 313 for CBS. She will play Mayor of Detroit in show.[36][37] She also was set to star alongside Taraji P. Henson in Tyler Perry's drama film Acrimony, but left the project.[38]